Frank Dufer

Frank Fritz DuFer Jr. aka “Poncho”, 67, of Salt Lake City, passed away May 18th, 2015, at a local health care facility. He was born July 22nd 1947, in Pioche, Nevada, to Frank and Margret DuFer. Frank spent his youth growing up in the state of Nevada, with his four sisters, Betty, Irene, Rosemary, and Linda. During high school he played football, and had an avid interest in his high school auto shop program.

In spring of 1966, shortly after his high school graduation, Frank joined the United States Army. He served his first of three tours in Vietnam before he married Michelle Ann Runge of Boise, Idaho, April 11th 1968. While stationed in Fort Stewart, Georgia, their son, Marty DuFer was born in May of 1969. Along with fulfilling his numerous obligations as a soldier, Frank applied his mechanical talents in servicing Huey Helicopters during his military service. His U.S. Army military commendations and medal declarations include: a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, an Army Commendation Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, and a Good Conduct Medal.

After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Frank returned home to his wife and son in Boise, Idaho. Frank pursued various career paths during his life. While living in Boise, he sought employment with Kenworth, utilizing his mechanical competences on big rigs. After his divorce in 1974, Frank later resided in Nevada, where he worked with International Harvester, a corporation that manufactures agricultural and farming equipment. He worked with his uncle Marion and his cousin Jimmy installing aluminum siding to houses for a short time, and worked for a Standard Service Station as an auto mechanic, and while employed with a local Hostess Bakery in Las Vegas, he thoroughly enjoyed working for the Hostess Bakery Corporation. Frank was tender hearted; he was well liked and loved by his friends and family.

Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Margaret DuFer, his sister Betty Margaret Rollins, and his three nephews David Garcia, Bobby Garcia, and Shawn Davis. Frank is survived by his son, Frank Martin DuFer and wife Julie of Boise, Idaho, his three sisters: Irene Bodell of Las Vegas, Nevada; Rosemary Davis of Caliente, Nevada; and Linda DuFer of Reno, Nevada, His many nephews and nieces: Amy Sonnenberg, Batina McCrosky, Nick Wilkin, Jimmy Bodell, Teri Valdez, Pamela Allen, Gary Bodell, Kenny Davis, Stacy Lawrence, and Jodi Lawrence.

A Graveside Memorial service will be at 2pm on Tuesday May 26th 2015, at Wasatch Lawn Park Mortuary. The funeral service is located at 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. For questions, please contact Wasatch Lawn Park Mortuary at 801-466-8687.

The DuFer family would like to give a special thanks to the Linder Rd. Church of Christ in Meridian, Idaho; along with the Southside Church of Christ in Salt Lake City, Utah. We would also like to thank friends and family during this difficult time. Frank has resided in the Salt Lake City area since 1996. Over the past 19 years Frank has been a resident of Midtown Manor nursing home, where he was loved and well cared for by many healthcare workers throughout the years. Frank’s family is very grateful for the professional, compassionate care he received during his time at Midtown Manor. Thank you and God Bless!